Combination Safety Valve and Ignition Trigger For Gas Burners

ABSTRACT

Presented is a system and method for permitting concurrent actuation of a gas safety valve and an ignition trigger for igniting gas burners. The combination safety valve and ignition device for gas burners permits both the start of a flow of flammable gas to a burner and the ignition of the flammable gas via operation of a single button or other actuator.

CROSS-REFERENCE

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/182,371, filed May 29, 2009, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments of the subject matter described herein relate generally to a system and method for permitting concurrent activation of a gas safety valve and an ignition trigger for igniting gas burners.

BACKGROUND

Commercial cooking apparatuses, such as ranges, open-top burners, griddles, and charbroilers, commonly utilize gas-fired burners because of the efficiency and ease of control of burning a flammable gas to create heat for cooking. Gas safety valves are integrated into the cooking apparatus and provide a measure of safety by preventing the outflow of flammable gas if the burner is not lit. Gas safety valves are normally mechanical in nature and require moderate pressures to activate, thus ensuring that any release of flammable gas is a result of a user's purposeful actions.

To light the burner, the safety valve must first be activated to start the flow of flammable gas. An ignition source ignites the flammable gas. Once the flammable gas is lit the gas safety valve permits the continued supply of flammable gas without requiring continuous activation of the gas safety valve. In commercial cooking apparatuses it is common for the user to first light a pilot for the gas burner, and the pilot ignites the gas burner. To light the pilot, the user first starts the flow of flammable gas by manually pressing and holding a button in the gas safety valve. The user ignites the flammable gas by pressing a button on an ignition source, such as a piezo-ignition device or electronic ignition module. The ignition source is typically a piezoelectric device or an electric starter that creates a high voltage spark, but could also utilize a heated filament or other ignition device.

Because the gas safety valve and the ignition modules are two different devices, the user typically uses two hands to perform the lighting function. In some cooking apparatuses, the gas safety valve and ignition device are separated by a distance that makes it impossible for a user to press both buttons with one hand. Also, the pressure required to depress the button of a gas safety valve may require a substantial pressure that makes it difficult to also press a button on the ignition source in a coordinated fashion using only one hand. This is especially true for piezoelectric igniters, which generally require a substantial amount of mechanical pressure to trigger. For these reasons, a user typically depresses the button on the gas safety valve safety with a finger or thumb of one hand, and uses a finger or thumb of the other hand to depresses the button of the ignition source.

Pressing two disparate buttons can be difficult for some handicap users who do not have the use of both arms and hand. Even for users having the use of both arms and hands, there are instances when pressing both buttons can be difficult. If the user is carrying anything in one hand, it must first be set down so that both hands are free to press the buttons. For example, if the gas burner is part of a furnace or boiler in a dimly lit basement and the user happens to be holding a flashlight with one of their hands, the user having to use both hands to light the furnace or boiler might have difficulty keeping the light pointed on the buttons while performing the lighting operation. In another example, a chef carrying a pan with ingredients to be cooked must first set down the pan prior to lighting the stove. This creates the potential incentive to keep the burner on when it is not in use or forces the chef to set down a pan in order to light the burner, not only slowing the chef down, but also slightly increasing the likelihood of an accidental spill.

SUMMARY

Presented is a system and method for permitting concurrent actuation of a gas safety valve and an ignition trigger for igniting gas burners. The combination safety valve and ignition device for gas burners permits both the start of a flow of flammable gas to a burner and the ignition of the flammable gas operation of a single button or other actuator.

In one aspect, a safety valve assembly includes a body having a gas inlet port for receiving a flammable gas; a gas outlet port for transferring flammable gas received at the gas inlet port to a gas burner; a pilot outlet port for transferring flammable gas to a pilot burner; a first valve for controlling flow of flammable gas from the gas inlet port to the gas outlet port; a second valve for controlling flow of flammable gas to the pilot outlet port; a starting actuator arranged such that operation of the starting actuator opens the second valve; and an ignition switch associated with the starting actuator such that operation of the starting actuator also operates the ignition switch.

In one implementation of the foregoing aspect, the pilot outlet port is connected via a pilot gas flow path to receive flammable gas from the gas inlet port, the second valve controlling flow of flammable gas along the pilot gas flow path. In another implementation of the foregoing aspect, the pilot outlet port is connected via a pilot gas flow path to receive flammable gas from a pilot gas inlet port of the body, the pilot gas inlet port separate from the gas inlet port, the second valve controlling flow of flammable gas along the pilot gas flow path.

In the foregoing aspect, or either implementation mentioned above, as a further aspect the safety actuator may be a push-button type actuator that has either (i) an associated arm or other structure that triggers the ignition switch that is located external of the valve body (e.g., in a housing connected to the valve body) or (ii) an internal portion that triggers the ignition switch (e.g., a membrane switch) that is located internal of the valve body.

In any of the foregoing aspects or implementations, in yet a further aspect the ignition switch may be either momentary switch or a piezoelectric trigger/actuator.

In any of the foregoing aspects or implementations, in still another aspect, a gas powered device includes the safety valve of such aspect or implementation and further includes a pilot; an ignition module in electrical or mechanical communication with the ignition switch; an ignitor; wherein the pilot receives flammable gas from the pilot output port when the safety actuator is operated to open the second valve; and wherein operation of the ignition switch when the safety actuator is operated triggers the ignition module to send an electrical impulse to the ignitor to create a spark that ignites the flammable gas of the pilot. The device may further include a thermal sensor proximate the pilot, wherein the thermal sensor is connected to deliver an electrical signal to the first valve in response to ignited flammable gas of the pilot, the electrical signal for holding the first valve open.

In any of the foregoing aspects or implementations, in yet a further aspect, the thermal sensor may be a thermocouple or a thermopile.

In any of the foregoing aspects or implementations, in yet a further aspect, (i) the ignition module may be connected to a power source through the ignition switch or (ii) an output of the ignition module may be connected to the ignitor through the ignition switch.

In another aspect, a system includes a gas control unit having an inlet port for accepting a gas; a outlet port in the gas control unit for transferring the gas to a burner, the outlet port in fluid communication with the inlet port; a valve for selectively transferring flammable gas from the inlet port to the outlet port; a safety actuator that when operated opens the valve; and a switch in communication with the safety actuator, the switch transitions to an operating state when the safety actuator is operated.

In a further aspect, a method of starting a burner involves: operating a safety actuator on a safety valve a first distance, the safety actuator mechanically opening a first valve to allow a flammable gas to flow to a pilot burner; operating the safety actuator on the safety valve a second distance, the safety actuator triggering a switch to transition between an open state and a closed state, the switch in electrical or mechanical communication with an ignition source, the ignition source triggering an electrical impulse that causes a spark at the pilot burner, the spark igniting the flammable gas creating a flame; heating a thermal sensor using the flame to generate an electrical signal; the electrical signal activating a second valve that controls whether flammable gas flows to a primary burner; and releasing the safety actuator on the safety valve so as to open the second valve.

The details of one or more embodiments are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, like reference numbers indicate identical or functionally similar elements. Additionally, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the drawings in which the reference number first appears.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a gas burner system.

FIG. 2 is a close up view of the safety valve and ignition switch for illustrating the actuation for lighting the pilot.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the combination safety valve and ignition switch in one embodiment of the combination safety valve and ignition switch system and method.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the combination safety valve and ignition switch in a second embodiment of the combination safety valve and ignition switch system and method.

FIGS. 5A and 5B are block diagrams of electrical configurations of embodiments of the combination safety valve and ignition switch system and method.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to FIG. 1, a gas burner unit 100 for commercial cooking equipment is depicted. The gas burner unit 100 comprises a gas manifold 102, a safety valve 104, one or more gas burners 106, an ignition module 108 having an ON/OFF switch 110, gas tubing 112, a pilot 114, an igniter 116, a thermocouple 122, and one or more flow control valves 124. The gas manifold 102 is connected to a source of flammable gas, usually a natural gas line or gas line that is connected to a propane fuel tank. The gas manifold 102 is fluidically coupled to the gas burners 106 through a safety valve 104 and flow valves 124 using gas tubing 112. The gas manifold 102 is also fluidically coupled to the pilot 114 through the safety valve 104 using gas tubing 112.

In operation, a flammable gas such as natural gas or propane is provided to the gas burners 106 of the gas burner unit 100 at a controlled rate. The flow of the flammable gas is regulated by one or more flow control valves 124, usually one flow control valve 124 per gas burner 106. Flow valves 124 could, by way of example be manual valves that permit the user to manually adjust the rate at which flammable gas is delivered to the gas burners 106. Alternatively, flow valves 124 could be thermostatic control valves that permit the user to adjust the ON/OFF temperature set point of the valve.

The gas burners 106 burn the flammable gas to produce heat, which is used for cooking or heating the food product. Above the gas burner unit 100 in the commercial cooking equipment there may be a cooking plate or a charbroiling surface for receiving food product, or there may be an open grate to allow pots or pans to be set above the gas burner unit 100. The gas burner unit 100 may also be integrated within a housing for baking or broiling food product, depending upon the particular kind of commercial cooking equipment.

The flammable gas will not freely flow to the gas burners 106 by merely turning the flow valves 124 unless there is already a flame present at the pilot 114 so that the upstream safety valve 104 is energized and held open. The pilot 114 is a small flame positioned in close proximity to one or more of the gas burners 106. There may also be multiple pilots 114, for example one pilot 114 for each gas burner 106. When lit, the pilot 114 provides a constant flame to ignite flammable gas flowing into the gas burners 106. The flame of the pilot 114 is also directed at a thermocouple 122 that provides power to keep the safety valve energized.

To initially light the pilot 114, the safety valve 104 is pressed allowing flammable gas to temporarily flow out of the pilot 114 while the safety valve is continuously pressed. While the flammable gas is flowing out of the pilot 114, the user ignites the flammable gas using an ignition source. The ignition source can be a match, or lighter, but is preferably an ignition module 108 comprising a piezoelectric spark generator or an electrical spark generator. The ignition module 108 sends an electrical impulse to the ignitor 116. Between the ignitor 116 and the pilot 114 there is a small gap, called a spark gap, in close proximity to, or in the direct path of, where the flammable gas exits the pilot 114. The electrical impulse from the ignition module 108 jumps across the gap as a high energy spark. When a flammable gas is present, the spark ignites the flammable gas.

Once the spark from the ignitor 116 lights the flammable gas, the flame heats the thermocouple 122 which produces a small amount of electricity. The thermocouple 122 is electrically connected to the pilot 114 and the electricity from the thermocouple 122 energizes the safety valve 104 to permit flow to both the pilot 114 and the flow valve 124 that feeds the gas burner 106. As long as the thermocouple 122 is interacting with the flame, the safety valve 104 stays energized permitting such flow. The pilot 114 will generally stay lit until the flammable gas is removed or the flame is extinguished. Because the safety valve must be energized to permit flow to the gas burners 106, the pilot 114 must be lit before the user can turn on the gas burners 106 using the flow control valves 124.

Referring now to FIG. 2, and continuing to refer to FIG. 1, because the safety valve 104 and the ignition modules 108 are two different devices, the user typically uses two hands to light the pilot. In some cooking apparatuses, the safety valve 104 and ignition module 108 are separated by a distance that makes it difficult or impossible for a user to press button 202 on the safety valve 104 and the switch 204 of the ignition module 108 with one hand. Also, the pressure required to depress the button 202 of a safety valve 104 may require a substantial pressure that makes it difficult to also press a switch 204 on the ignition module 108 in a coordinated fashion using only one hand. This is especially true for piezoelectric type igniters, which generally require a substantial amount of mechanical pressure to trigger a spark. For these reasons, a user typically depresses the button 202 on the safety valve 104 with a finger or thumb of one hand, and uses a finger or thumb of the other hand to depresses the switch 204 of the ignition module 108.

However, this two button approach has drawbacks. A disabled person without the use of two hands may find it difficult to perform the actuation of both the button 202 on the safety valve 104 and the switch 204 of the ignition module 108 that are necessary to light the pilot 114. Also, forcing a user to use two hands to ignite the pilot 114 is cumbersome and requires the user to have two free hands to perform the task. This encourages chefs and staff to keep the pilot 114 on for extended periods of time, since they may not always have two free hands to light the pilot 114 when approaching the gas burner unit 100. For example, if a chef is holding a pan containing food product for preparation, the chef may not want to set down the pan or otherwise take their hand off of the pan to light the pilot 114. Setting down and then picking back up a pan takes a small amount of extra time, and in a busy kitchen environment, that is inefficient. Also, setting down and picking up the pan increases the likelihood of an accident occurring. Further, a chef holding a utensil or a container of food product might not have a convenient spot to set them down, creating further inefficiencies. Therefore, in most instances the pilot 114 is left on, even when not using the gas burner unit 100 for extended periods of time.

Referring now to FIG. 3, a combination safety valve and ignition switch 300 is presented that solves these and other problems. The combination safety valve and ignition switch 300 comprises a gas inlet 302 for receiving the flammable gas from a gas line or propane tank, a gas outlet 304 for sending flammable gas to a flow control valve 124 (not shown) and gas burner 106 (not shown), a pilot gas outlet 306 for sending flammable gas to the pilot 114 (not shown), a push button 308 (or other actuator) for lighting the pilot 114, an actuator arm 310 connected to the push button 308 for actuating the ignition switch 312, an ignition switch 312 for receiving the actuator arm 310 of the push button 308, a switch housing 314 that holds the actuator arm 310 of the push button 308 and the ignition switch 312 in place, and electrical control leads 316. As used herein, the term “ignition switch” refers to any ignition actuation or trigger device (e.g., push-type, pull-type, rotational or otherwise) that controls the operation of the ignitor associated with the pilot 114, regardless of whether the ignitor is an electronic ignition module or a piezoelectric device. Likewise, in place of the push-button 308 some other type of starting actuator could be used (e.g., push-type, pull-type, rotational or otherwise).

The combination safety valve may, by way of example, be a modified version of the H15 Series Automatic Shutoff Pilot Gas Valve from Baso Gas Products LLC of Watertown, Wis. This combination valve includes a valve body with two internal valves controlling respective flow paths. Both internal pilot gas flow versions and external pilot gas flow versions of this valve are available. In one implementation, the modified safety valve is connected in an internal pilot gas flow configuration. In this arrangement, the valve body includes both an internal main burner gas flow path from the gas inlet 302 to the gas outlet 304 and an internal pilot gas flow path from the gas inlet 302 to the pilot outlet 306 (2 shown in FIG. 3). The main burner gas flow path is normally closed by a primary valve within the valve body. This primary valve is an electromagnetic-type valve with a closure that can be held in the open position by the current produced by the thermocouple when interacting with the pilot flame. The pilot gas flow path is normally closed by a pilot valve. This pilot valve is opened by operation of the push-button 308 and also interacts with part of the primary valve so that the pilot valve is held open when the primary valve is held open. During a typical installation the pilot is connected to one of the pilot outputs 306 and the other pilot output is capped or plugged. In another implementation, the modified valve is connected in an external pilot gas flow arrangement in which the pilot gas flow path is from one port 306 to the other port 306 through the valve body. In this implementation, one port 306 acts as an inlet port and is connected to the gas supply (e.g., gas manifold) and the other port 306 acts as the pilot outlet port and is connected to deliver gas to the pilot. A pilot valve in the path between the ports 306 is normally closed, but is opened by operation of the button 308 and also interacts with part of the primary valve so that the pilot valve is held open when the primary valve is held open. In both the internal pilot and the external pilot implementations, when the primary valve subsequently closes (e.g., if the pilot flame goes out and the thermocouple no longer delivers current) then the primary valve moves to its closed position, which also causes the pilot valve to move to its closed position, thereby shutting off flow through both the main burner gas flow path and the pilot gas flow path.

The modified version of such a combination safety valve and ignition switch 300 of FIG. 3 combines the functions of the button 202 of the safety valve 104 and the switch 204 of the ignition module 108 from FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 into a single unit according to FIG. 3. When the push button 308 is pressed, flammable gas is released through the pilot gas outlet 306 and flows to the pilot 114. As the push button 308 is pressed the actuator arm 310 moves with the push button 308 and contacts the ignition switch 312. The actuator arm 310 presses the ignition switch 312 which triggers an electrical impulse to be sent to the ignitor 116 (not shown) causes a spark and igniting the flammable gas of the pilot 114. The function of the ignition switch 312 and control leads 316 are covered in additional detail in FIG. 5 and in the accompanying detailed description below.

In embodiments, the push button 308, actuator arm 310, and ignition switch 312 are configured to simultaneously cause the release of flammable gas and the triggering of a spark when the push button 308 is pressed. In other embodiments, pushing the push button 308 inwards to a first distance causes the release of flammable gas, while pushing the push button 308 inwards to a further second distance causes the pressing of the ignition switch 312. In this embodiment, the user is able to send an initial amount of flammable gas to the pilot 114 prior to the spark being sent to the ignitor. The user is also able to return the push button 308 to the first distance from the second distance after the pilot 114 is initially lit, thus stopping further sparks from being sent to the ignitor 116. This allows the user to continue to provide a flow of flammable gas to the pilot 114 until the thermocouple 122 has warmed sufficiently to open the switch in the pilot 114 and remain on by itself. This advantageously stops the noise of sparks occurring at the ignitor 116, which can be an audible annoyance to the user. Such an arrangement may also increase the lifespan of the controllers and reliability of the equipment.

Referring to FIG. 4, another embodiment of the integrated combination safety valve and ignition switch 400 is presented. The integrated combination safety valve and ignition switch 400 comprises a body having a gas inlet 302 for receiving the flammable gas from a gas line or propane tank, a gas outlet 304 for sending flammable gas to a pair of flow control valves 124 (not shown) and gas burners 106 (not shown), a pilot gas outlet 306 for sending flammable gas to the pilot 114 (not shown), an integrated activation button 402, and electrical control leads 316 that extend through a lead passage of the valve body. A removable protective cover 404 is also shown, along with an input 406 for connecting to the thermocouple. In one embodiment of the integrated combination safety valve and ignition switch 400, an internal membrane switch is located within the body of the device as shown in FIG. 4. The internal membrane switch functions as the ignition switch portion of the combination safety valve and ignition switch 400 and is triggered by movement of the button 402.

The combination safety valve and ignition switch 400 operates similarly to the combination safety valve and ignition switch 300, except the ignition switch 312 is located within the valve body for being triggered by movement of an internal portion of the activation button 402. In embodiments, pressing the integrated activation button 402 causes the release of flammable gas and the triggering of a spark (e.g., via closure of the membrane switch) to ignite the flammable gas. In embodiments, pressing the activation button 402 inwards to a first distance causes the release of flammable gas, while pressing the integrated activation button 402 inwards to a further second distance causes the triggering of a spark (e.g., via closure of the membrane switch) to ignite the flammable gas.

Referring now to FIGS. 5 a and 5 b, the combination safety valve and ignition switch 300 and combination safety valve and ignition switch 400 allow the mechanical input 502 of the user pressing the button 302, 402, to both start the flow of flammable gas to a pilot 114 or burner 106 and ignite the flammable gas with a single actuation. Referring to FIG. 5 a, in an embodiment the pressing of the button 302, 402 to open the pilot valve 504 to start the flow of flammable gas to the pilot 114 also closes a switch 506 completing a circuit between the ignition module 108 and the ignitor 116. In this embodiment, a power source 508 powers the ignition module 108 that holds a charge. When the switch 506 is closed, that charge is transferred through the switch 506 to the ignitor 116 where the charge is discharged by creating a spark. In certain embodiments, as the user continues to press the button 302, 402 the ignition module 108 periodically charges the ignition module 108 which discharges through the ignitor 116. In other embodiments, the ignition module remains charged between uses.

Referring now to FIG. 5 b, in an embodiment the pressing of the button 302, 402 closes a circuit between a power source 508 and the ignition module 108, powering the ignition module 108. When powered, the ignition module 108 sends periodic electrical impulses to the ignitor 116 that are discharged by creating sparks. In this embodiment, the ignition module 108 is unpowered when the button 302, 402 is not pressed. Continuing to refer to FIG. 5 b, in another embodiment, the ignition module 108 is powered by power source 508, and the closing of the switch 506 sends a signal to the ignition module 108 to send periodic electrical impulses to the ignitor 116 to create sparks. In certain embodiments, the switch 506 can be normally open, whereby closing the switch 506 and completing the circuit is the signal. In other embodiments, the switch 506 can be normally closed, whereby actuating the switch 506 by pressing on the button 302, 402 opens the circuit, and the open circuit is the signal. The signal may be an analog voltage, a digital signal, or a data signal. The ignition module 108 may receive continuous power from the power source 508. Alternatively, the ignition module 108 receives power only when the switch 506 is closed.

In the implementations of each of FIGS. 5 a and 5 b, the main gas burner valve or primary valve 510 within the valve body is also shown as having a physical interaction 512 with the pilot valve 504 such that when the main valve 510 is held in the open position via the thermal sensor current, the pilot valve 504 is also maintained opened.

While various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by the way of example only, and not limitation. Although, for purposes of explanation of the disclosed subject matter only, the above embodiments describe a safety valve for cooking apparatuses, the subject matter of the present disclosure subject matter is equally adaptable to other gas or combustible fuel burners, including but not limited to furnaces, boilers, heaters, and any other types of burners. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined. Thus, the breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments. 

1. A safety valve assembly, comprising: a body having a gas inlet port for receiving a flammable gas; a gas outlet port for transferring flammable gas received at the gas inlet port to a gas burner; a pilot outlet port for transferring flammable gas to a pilot burner; a first valve for controlling flow of flammable gas from the gas inlet port to the gas outlet port; a second valve for controlling flow of flammable gas to the pilot outlet port; a starting actuator arranged such that operation of the starting actuator opens the second valve; and an ignition switch associated with the starting actuator such that operation of the starting actuator also operates the ignition switch.
 2. The safety valve assembly of claim 1 wherein the pilot outlet port is connected via a pilot gas flow path to receive flammable gas from the gas inlet port, the second valve controlling flow of flammable gas along the pilot gas flow path.
 3. The safety valve assembly of claim 1 wherein the pilot outlet port is connected via a pilot gas flow path to receive flammable gas from a pilot gas inlet port of the body, the pilot gas inlet port separate from the gas inlet port, the second valve controlling flow of flammable gas along the pilot gas flow path.
 4. The safety valve assembly of claim 1, wherein the starting actuator is moveable through a displacement range and the ignition switch transitions between an open state and a closed state during at least a portion of the displacement range.
 5. The safety valve assembly of claim 1, further comprising: an actuator arm that couples displacement of the safety actuator to the ignition switch, contact between the actuator arm and the ignition switch causes the ignition switch to transition between an open state and a closed state.
 6. The safety valve assembly of claim 1, wherein the ignition switch is located within the body.
 7. The safety valve assembly of claim 5, wherein the ignition switch comprises a membrane switch within the body and positioned proximate to an internal portion of the safety actuator.
 8. The safety valve assembly of claim 1, wherein the ignition switch is a momentary switch or a piezoelectric device.
 9. A gas powered device including the safety valve of claim 1, further comprising: a pilot; an ignition module in electrical communication with the ignition switch; an ignitor; wherein the pilot receives flammable gas from the pilot output port when the safety actuator is operated to open the second valve; wherein operation of the ignition switch when the safety actuator is operated triggers the ignition module to send an electrical impulse to the ignitor to create a spark that ignites the flammable gas of the pilot.
 10. The device of claim 9 further comprising a thermal sensor proximate the pilot, wherein the thermal sensor is connected to deliver an electrical signal to the first valve in response to ignited flammable gas of the pilot, the electrical signal for holding the first valve open.
 11. The device of claim 10, wherein the thermal sensor is a thermocouple or thermopile.
 12. The device of claim 9, wherein (i) the ignition module is connected to a power source through the ignition switch or (ii) an output of the ignition module is connected to the ignitor through the ignition switch.
 13. A gas powered device including the safety valve of claim 1, further comprising: a flow control valve in fluid communication for receiving a flammable gas from the gas outlet port; a primary gas burner in fluid communication with the flow control valve; a pilot in fluid communication with the pilot outlet port.
 14. A system, comprising: a gas control unit having an inlet port for accepting a gas; a outlet port in the gas control unit for transferring the gas to a burner, the outlet port in fluid communication with the inlet port; a valve for selectively transferring flammable gas from the inlet port to the outlet port; a safety actuator that when operated opens the valve; and a switch in communication with the safety actuator, the switch transitions to an operating state when the safety actuator is operated.
 15. The system of claim 14, wherein the safety actuator further comprises: an actuator arm that physically presses the switch causing the switch to transition to the operating state.
 16. The system of claim 14 wherein the switch comprises one of: a membrane switch positioned to be triggered by movement of the safety actuator; or a piezoelectric actuator.
 17. The system of claim 14, further comprising: a burner; an ignition module in electrical communication with the switch; an ignitor; wherein the burner receives flammable gas from the outlet port when the valve is open; wherein the switch transitions to the operating state to trigger the ignition module to send an electrical impulse to the ignitor to ignite the flammable gas of the burner.
 18. A method of starting a burner, comprising: operating a safety actuator on a safety valve a first distance, the safety actuator mechanically opening a first valve to allow a flammable gas to flow to a pilot burner; operating the safety actuator on the safety valve a second distance, the safety actuator triggering a switch to transition between an open state and a closed state, the switch in electrical communication with an ignition source, the ignition source triggering an electrical impulse that causes a spark at the pilot burner, the spark igniting the flammable gas creating a flame; heating a thermal sensor using the flame to generate an electrical signal, the electrical signal activating a second valve that controls whether flammable gas flows to a primary burner; and releasing the safety actuator on the safety valve so as to open the second valve.
 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the first distance equals the second distance. 